Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation

About Roger Williams University:

At Roger Williams University students are prepared to be thinkers and doers ready to solve challenging problems with innovative solutions. RWU offers 50 majors and robust offerings of graduate and professional programs across eight schools of study including Rhode Islands only law school with campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence R.I. With small classrooms and a focus on undergraduate and graduate research and community engagement a Roger Williams education blends the strength of liberal arts and professional studies providing all students with the depth and breadth of interdisciplinary thinking and well-rounded knowledge necessary to succeed in our interconnected global world. RWU is committed to strengthening society through engaged scholarship so that students graduate with the ability to think critically and apply the practical skills that todays employers demand.

Roger Williams University seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value all races genders identities and abilities. RWU is committed to creating a thriving community that encourages lifelong learning professional development and academic innovation.

To learn more about Roger Williams Universitys commitment and support of diversity and inclusion please visit Description:

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Student Life the Director serves as the chief administrative and executive officer for RWUs 25 varsity athletics programs club sports intramurals and campus recreation facilities. The Director champions a student-athlete first NCAA Division III philosophy cultivating an environment centered on academic achievement personal well-being leadership development competitive excellence and inclusive community engagement. The next Director will be an approachable ethical visible and collaborative leader who integrates athletics and recreation into the broader fabric of university life. Working in close partnership with institutional leadership University Advancement Enrollment Management and Student Life the Director will expand philanthropic engagement champion modern compliance and safety standards modernize athletic and recreation facilities and elevate school spirit across the universitys coastal Bristol and vibrant downtown Providence campuses.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR THE DIRECTOR - The incoming Director will enter Roger Williams University at an opportune moment of institutional momentum and will be expected to champion three overarching strategic priorities:

• Navigate the Evolving Division III & NIL Landscape: Establish progressive operational models that uphold rigorous academic integrity Title IX equity and athletic competitiveness amid modern NCAA governance and Name Image and Likeness developments.
• Philanthropic Expansion & Facility Modernization: In partnership with University Advancement execute donor engagement initiatives and capital project strategies to enhance athletic training spaces student-athlete performance hubs and recreation facilities.
• Elevate Campus Spirit & Holistic Student Well-Being: Broaden intramural club and fitness engagement across all student demographics transforming athletic events into unified community gatherings.

KEY OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Leadership Advancement & Culture

• Budget Administration: Direct varsity athletic club sports intramural and recreation budgets within university policy; lead regular reviews with University Finance.
• Fundraising & Resource Development: Partner closely with Institutional Advancement to execute fundraising strategies that elevate student-athlete success and fund facility modernizations.
• Athletic Communications & Branding: Elevate the departments profile through contemporary storytelling social platforms and brand alignment.
• Recreation & Wellness Programming: Enhance recreation intramural and club sport operations to cultivate student belonging and wellness.
• Spectator & Game-Day Spirit: Transform home competitions into vibrant community-wide campus events.

Governance Safety & Compliance

• Modern Compliance Integrity: Maintain a modern compliance program encompassing NCAA Title IX Hazing eligibility NIL policies and monitoring systems that prioritize education equity community standards and a safe sport culture.
• Conference Governance: Actively participate in NCAA Conference of New England Interscholastic Sailing Association and other conference affiliations.
• Recruitment & Enrollment Alignment: Partner with Admissions to attract scholar-athletes dedicated to academic and competitive excellence.
• Capital Planning & Facilities: Plan recommend and coordinate state-of-the-art facility modernizations and maintenance protocols.
• Risk Management & Safety: Oversee team travel safety sports medicine coordination emergency response and fan event safety.
• Personnel Supervision: Direct the ethical mentorship professional development and formal evaluation of head coaches and administrative personnel.
• Actively participatein Student Life divisional meetings initiatives and strategic planning.

Requirements:

Education: Masters Degree in Physical Education Athletic Administration Sports Management or related field required.

Administrative Experience: 8-10 years of substantial athletic leadership experience including at least 5 years in higher education athletic management.

Broad Program Competency: Demonstrated expertise in coaching and administrative oversight across varsity club and recreation programs.

Regulatory Acumen: Strong expertise in Title IX compliance tort liability procedures NCAA DIII bylaws and emerging NIL guidelines.

Core Leadership Skills: Strong communication organizational leadership and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Executive Experience: Experience as an Athletics Director or senior Division III athletics administrator.

Strategic Management: Strategic planning facilities management conference governance and customer service oriented leadership.

Mentorship & Culture: Proven track record of evaluating mentoring and developing head coaches and support personnel.

Resource Generation: Demonstrated acumen in major gift athletics fundraising and corporate sponsorship cultivation.

Safety & Wellness: Comprehensive understanding of sports medicine coordination and student-athlete health protocols.

At the Universitys discretion the education and experience prerequisites may be accepted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information:

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law. For information on our Non-discrimination policy visit here.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. TITLE IX COORDINATOR : Dr. Jen Stanley 1 Old Ferry Road Bristol RI 02809 / Phone Number: /Email Address:

Application Instructions:

The position will remain open until filled; but for best consideration candidate applications should be submitted by November 2 2026 . Inquiries nominations and candidate materials will be held in strict confidence. Applicants should submit:

• A comprehensive letter of interest addressing the responsibilities and qualifications described in this profile.
• A complete curriculum vitae / resume.
• Contact details for three (3) professional references (references will not be contacted without prior candidate consent).

Required Experience:

Director